Yoga4pd

I'm a feel-good ju**ie.

In the year 2000, I did not feel good.

My body was literally broken (at T12). I was in chronic pain, my mind was in a state of constant chaos, and my head simply wobbled around above my shoulders - completely disconnected from my body.

So when I find something that elevates my mind, my mood - and my ability to move - I want more of it.

Yoga did, and does, that for me. When I practice consistently, yoga makes me feel good. It also helps me think good and do good (I know that’s not proper English … whatevs).

So I will keep at it. Yoga works.
It works for me. I believe it can for you too.

VERMONT FOR THE WIN!!

“The evidence linking paraquat exposure to increased Parkinson’s risk is strong and has been building for decades. Vermont’s leadership sends a clear message: We do not have to wait to act.” (Dan Feehan, MJFF’s chief policy and government affairs officer)

https://www.michaeljfox.org/news/vermont-passes-first-nation-ban-paraquat-pesticide-linked-parkinsons-disease

Vermont Passes First-in-the-Nation Ban on Paraquat, a Pesticide Linked to Parkinson’s Disease The Michael J. Fox Foundation applauds Vermont lawmakers for passing the first bipartisan bill to ban paraquat, a pesticide that increases Parkinson’s disease risk.

In her article for Davis Phinney Foundation, dance instructor Sarah Leversee explains how dancing with Parkinson's is so much more than movement. In a dance class, one learns to accept their unique dancer body; "breathing compassion into the struggling parts, breathing gratitude into the thriving parts".

Regardless of whether you chose tango or two-stepping - dancing provides the blissful sense of living in an integrated body. A body that is functioning as a whole. Even if just for one beat. 💃🏿🕺

Read the full article here:

Dance for Parkinson’s: More than Just Exercise Exercise is often the primary reason people try their first dance for Parkinson's class. Then they discover it is so much more than just a great workout.

I'm so grateful to you for being part of the yoga4PD community. 🙏🏼

If you know someone who would find value in yoga therapy and would benefit from being part of our community, please have them follow me here and invite them to sign up for the monthly newsletter at the link below. Each month I share tips, tools, and resources for people living with Parkinson's and their care partners. It's more than a newsletter. We're building a community. 😁

Newsletter sign up: https://mailchi.mp/a1d1398bc1f2/yoga4pd

Stay hydrated, stay kind, stay moving!

Monday Mindset

FREE RECIPE FRIDAY!
Is it ice cream season yet?

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream
INGREDIENTS
2 bananas, sliced and frozen
2 TBS cocoa powder
2 TBS canned coconut milk
1.5 TBS all natural peanut butter

METHOD
👉 Add all ingredients to food processor and blend, occasionally scraping down the sides, until smooth. Scoop into a bowl and enjoy immediately as soft serve.
👉 For firmer ice cream, place in an airtight, freezer-safe container and freeze for at least an hour before scooping.
👉 Enjoy!

One participant said Parkinson’s has slowly dulled her sense of movement — but not during these classes.
“The first time I came here, I was really down,” she said. “I came out and I said, ‘Oh, I danced! I danced!’”

So. Much. Joy. 😁💃🏿🕺💙

Portland couple helps people with Parkinson’s find rhythm through dance, drumming A Portland-based dance instructor and a Grammy-nominated musician are using movement and rhythm to help people with Parkinson’s disease reconnect with their bodies.

West Coast Swing was having a moment.

It was the mid-90s, I was living in Denver and dating a Chef-named-Sam. I asked him to take dance lessons with me. It would be a fun, interactive, getting-to-know-you experience. He declined. Sigh.

"But," he said, "I've always wanted to take tango lessons."

Within a week we were signed up for a ballroom dance class that included the Argentine tango. We were soon counting to 8 in Spanish and stumbling over my pointy-toed stilettos. We stuck it out for 4 months then determined we were better-suited to hiking boots and fleece pullovers (see pic, circa 1997) than we were to pin-striped suits and slinky dresses. But along the way we developed an appreciation for the modern, steamy sounds of Gotan Project and we fell in love.

Now, all these years later, imagine my delight when I find the 'dance of passion' featured in The New York Times as a therapy for people living with Parkinson's disease! According to psychologist Ebora Rabinovich, "Tango uses the same kind of movements that people with Parkinson's disease tend to lose". It offers strategies that can improve gait, balance, weight shifting, and confidence. I'm inspired.

NYT article linked in comments.
Are you ready to add dance to your weekly movement routine?

Once, when the team had a week off between play-off games, one of the Oklahoma City Thunder players was asked whether he thought that time off would hinder the momentum and power the team had been displaying night after night on the court.

He responded, "There is no such thing as bad rest".
And all the people said AMEN!
(and the Thunder went on to become the 2024-2025 National Champions)

The power of intentional rest cannot be underestimated, especially if you, or someone you love, is living with Parkinson's. Chances are when it comest to rest, you fall into the category of 'Not-Getting-Enough'. So here is a sweet Yin-Restorative Mashup for you, recorded live in 2023.

In this simple practice, you'll start on your belly with gentle stretches and attention to breath followed by two classic restorative poses. The 60-minute class finishes with the deeply calming Legs-Up-The-Wall pose.

You'll need a blanket, bolster, and a block. A dog is optional but highly recommended. 🙂
Practice with me by clicking on the video link below.
https://youtu.be/hJ48ilqvXuA?si=cFLNsLitGbRIefD1

Lisa Bracken Wellness rest + reset : yin restorative mashup 1 5 23

April is Parkinson's Awareness Month 💙

A lot of people ask why I chose to focus on Parkinson's. The short answer? Because I saw a gap. I saw a population that deserved more support, more thoughtful movement, and more care than they were getting

The month of April is dedicated to increasing awareness of this dopamine disaster, supporting those affected, and funding research for a cure. With over 10 million people affected globally, PD is the fastest-growing neurological condition out there.

Amy Slanchik / News On 6 did a remarkable story featuring the profound impact yoga therapy has on individuals living with PD.

Watch the story here 👉 https://bit.ly/4juTsWa

A simple rule for life that rarely fails:
Optimize for enthusiasm.

Make as many choices as you can that leave you feeling energetic and interested.
Pay attention to when you have the urge to pursue or participate in something and do more of it.
~ James Clear, author of Atomic Habits